Foreign policy blunders of the Erdogan Government

Ankara is opposed to any Kurdish autonomous region in Syria for fear that it could serve as role model for Turkey's Kurds who may consider secessionism as a viable option, should AKP's dialogue with Ocalan turn unsuccessful in the future.

Turkish government under Erdogan's premiership therefore may not have been as benign a political player as its supporters might portray it to be. For economic and pragmatic reasons Turkey conducted some seemingly contradictory policies in the Middle East, particularly in Syria and Iraq. It has been openly supporting Kurdish autonomy in Iraq, because its suited its strategic and economic interests, while using all means at its disposal, including covert operations and tacit support of islamist extremist organizations such as ISIS, to prevent Syrian Kurds from setting up their own separate region.

Erdogan's domination of the AKP may have been marked with impressive achievements. Yet, at the same time, it has been characterized with many failures, both domestically and in foreign policy arena. Erdogan thus remains highly polarizing figure. He is widely celebrated and adored almost as a prophet-like figure by his supporters while being equally hated by his detractors.

It is unclear whether the new president will be prepared to admit his mistakes, or will he continue to ride on the tide of populism he so skillfully exploited for increasing his power.

As embodiment and expression of collective political will of the entire Turkish nation and as a symbol of its unity, president Erdogan should equally articulate and defend the interests of all Turks, including 48 percent of those who voted against him, and who do not approve of the ruling AKP policies. This will be serious challenge and test for Erdogan.